American Idol fans are buzzing with excitement as they speculate who will step into the shoes of Katy Perry on the judging panel for the upcoming season 22. Social media has been abuzz with predictions, and one name, in particular, has gained significant traction – Jennifer Lopez.

Lopez, who first appeared as a judge on American Idol back in 2010, is considered a strong contender for the coveted position. Fans fondly reminisce about her previous stint, praising her for giving great advice and being less eccentric than some of the other judges.

The speculation surrounding Lopez's potential return is not unfounded. She had previously credited American Idol with helping her rediscover her worth as an artist, following a period of uncertainty after the birth of her twins, Emme and Max.

Reflecting on her time on the show in her Netflix documentary, Halftime, the multi-talented superstar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be seen for who she truly was. Lopez revealed that American Idol played a crucial role in reigniting her passion and helping her refocus on her acting, singing, and dancing.

While these predictions about Lopez replacing Perry on the American Idol judging panel remain speculative, there is undeniable anticipation surrounding the possibility. With Perry's reported high salary of $25 million per season, fans wonder if the network will aim to secure a performer of similar caliber or even a bigger household name.

Perry recently announced her departure from American Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The singer had reportedly been planning her exit since last year due to feeling unfairly portrayed by the show's producers. She disclosed that this will likely be her last season, citing the previous departures of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson after seven seasons.

As the anticipation for Katy Perry's replacement reaches a fever pitch, Jennifer Lopez's name continues to circulate as a frontrunner. Fans eagerly await an official announcement from American Idol regarding the future of the judging panel for season 22.